Neo-Japan. A place where there is dream and hope. A place where you can be anything. The cityscape is a breathtaking panorama of soaring skyscrapers, their crystalline facades reflecting the hues of neon billboards that paint the urban canvas. A symphony of vertical gardens, suspended parks, and gleaming walkways infuses nature into the very heart of the metropolis.

Advanced technology reigns supreme, as silent hovercrafts glide effortlessly through the air, while autonomous vehicles navigate meticulously maintained roadways. Solar panels and wind turbines crown rooftops, capturing the power of nature to fuel the city's unceasing dynamism. The air is pristine, purified by state-of-the-art filtration systems, a testament to Neo Japan's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

Yet, beneath the lustrous veneer of the city's opulence, a hidden world persists—a sprawling slum. The slum weaves its way through the city's underbelly, where crumbling structures, narrow alleyways, and makeshift shelters stand as stark contrasts to the gleaming facade of Neo Japan.

The slum was a harsh reality that had defined Ryo and Hana's lives for as long as they could remember. Ryo, a weathered man in his early forties, had once been an aspiring artist before life's hardships had led him down this unforgiving path. Hana, slightly younger, had a background in medicine but had fallen victim to the crippling debt that plagued so many in Neo Japan.

Ryo sighed, his body slumping further into the tattered mattress that served as his makeshift seat in the squalid slum. His voice carried a heavy dose of cynicism as he spoke to Hana, his long-time companion in this unforgiving world.

"Can you believe they're jabbering about this new prime minister election, Hana? Like it's gonna make a difference down here in the dirt," he lamented, his eyes reflecting the years of struggle etched into his weathered face.

Hana, her gaze distant, couldn't help but let her thoughts wander to a time when she had been a healer, stitching up wounds and saving lives. Now, her eyes were weary, and the weight of their harsh reality hung heavy in the air.

"Yeah, Ryo," she replied softly, "it's a circus up there in the shiny city, and they expect us to believe that any of these politicians really care about the likes of us."

Ryo's frustration was palpable, a simmering anger born from years of disappointment and hardship.

"Circus is right," he scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "And don't even get me started on that last guy, Prime Minister Ugly. His reign was a never-ending parade of corruption and indifference. Not to mention that damned war we got dragged into."

Hana nodded in agreement, her memories of the war that had torn through Neo Japan still vivid in her mind.

"Ugly is an understatement, Ryo," she said somberly. "He was a symbol of everything that's wrong with the system. I lost friends to that war, and he couldn't have cared less."

Ryo's cynical sense of humor returned, if only briefly, as he contemplated the enigma that was Tatsumine Haruto.

"But now they're peddling this Tatsumine Haruto as our savior?" he scoffed again, a hint of incredulity in his tone. "Kind yet ruthless? Sounds like a riddle designed to deceive."

Hana's bitter expression echoed Ryo's sentiment.

"Kind yet ruthless, indeed," she agreed. "We've heard it all before, haven't we? Promises and more promises, and they always seem to fall apart like a house of cards."

Ryo's gaze shifted from the holographic projection of Neo Japan to Hana, a curious mix of skepticism and intrigue in his eyes.

"But, Hana," he began, "They say that guy has reduced corruption, stabilized the economy, and even improved the welfare of people."

Hana leaned forward, her eyes locked onto the hologram of the gleaming city. Her voice carried the weight of caution, a caution born from years of witnessing the unfulfilled pledges of politicians.

"Achievements, they say," she acknowledged. "But there's a rumor, Ryo. A dark one. They say Tatsumine killed someone to clean up the system."

Ryo's frown deepened as he considered the implications of such a rumor.

"Killing?" he murmured. "That's a different kind of ruthless, Hana. But you know what's strange? Some folks from this slum have gotten a chance to become 'normal' people, thanks to him."

As they sat amidst the squalor, surrounded by the refuse of society's progress, Ryo couldn't help but let a faint smile touch his lips.

"Yeah, Hana," he said, his smile faint but genuine. "It's complicated. But maybe, just maybe, there's a glimmer of hope in all this mess. Maybe this new guy can be the kind and ruthless leader we need down here."

Hana's gaze softened, and she nodded in agreement, her voice filled with a fragile sense of optimism.

"Here's to hope, Ryo," she said, her words tinged with a sense of longing. "In a world of cynicism and despair, maybe hope can be our way out of this darkness, even in the shadow of Neo Japan's brilliance."

The ambiance was punctuated by the click of cameras, and the voices of reporters seeped in from the open window. Inside the grand white building, a middle-aged man occupied a luxurious office, observing the chaotic yet enthusiastic emotions of the reporters and the audience. Reflected in the window's glass was a figure, Tatsumine Haruto, a middle-aged man of great importance.

Haruto remained calm and stoic. Those who witnessed him in this moment might have felt an involuntary shiver down their spines. Even the shrewdest of politicians from the past couldn't decipher his thoughts, and if such astute individuals couldn't discern his emotions and intentions, then no one could claim to understand the workings of the brightest and most ruthless politician's mind. It was evident why Tatsumine Haruto not only survived but thrived in the abyss of politics, ascending to the pinnacle of world politics.

As he observed the frenzy outside, a sardonic thought crossed his mind [It's pretty crowded huh... Maybe after this, I'll play some visual novel game.] This inner contemplation was a facet of Haruto's personality that only a select few, those close to him or deeply trusted, had the privilege of witnessing.

Before long, the sound of a door opening filled the room, and a man entered, his expressions a blend of excitement, tension, and worry. This man had a clear mission - to meet Haruto. He was Kurota Takaya, Haruto's confidant and best friend from their college days to the present. Haruto slowly turned to face him.

"Yo, Haruto, ready for your speech? It's starting in about an hour," Takaya inquired, his tone carefree and somewhat condescending as he draped his arm casually around Haruto's neck.

"Well, how about you?" Haruto responded, a scowl forming on his face. "I can see you're the one who's worried. And damn it, Takaya, your arm is sweating. It'll ruin my suit."

Takaya smirked and tightened his grip, replying, "And that's my aim."

Haruto clicked his tongue but couldn't suppress a small smile. To outsiders, this interaction would be utterly unbelievable. The public saw Tatsumine Haruto as a kind and diplomatic figure, far from the warm camaraderie he displayed with Takaya. He was often perceived as cold and ruthless, a reputation that solidified after various rumors circulated about him, including allegations of political eliminations due to disagreements or incompetence. These rumors further distorted public perception, making them wary and formal around him.

"Takaya, you're aware of my limits, right?" Haruto cautioned, his eyes promising consequences that made Takaya feel a bead of sweat forming on his back.

"Okay, okay, sheesh... Haruto, I'll let go. But you know I'm serious. Are you prepared? This is what we've been fighting for," Takaya said, releasing his arm from around Haruto's neck. He regarded Haruto's piercing yellow eyes and continued with a hint of insecurity, "I'm just scared and anxious about our future, that's all."

Haruto took a moment to ponder before responding, "Well, I understand that. But remember when we were just college dormmates, lost youth with no dreams or prospects." As he spoke, Haruto stood and walked toward the expansive window that offered a view of Neo-Japan and the public that had fervently supported his ascent to the position of prime minister.

Takaya walked over to Haruto's side, both of them gazing out at the audience and the sprawling Neo-Japan city. Haruto resumed speaking, his voice carrying a reflective tone. "I still remember when we were just introverts who liked anime and visual novels, talked about nerd geek stuff, and simply had fun. But deep down, we knew we were suppressing our desires to contribute and become people we could be proud of." Haruto closed his eyes, delving into his memories, from childhood to the pivotal moments that led him and Takaya into the world of politics.

"You know, it's quite absurd for a young guy like me to aspire to be a politician," Haruto continued, his tone calm and stoic as he reopened his eyes. Takaya, however, saw what others couldn't. Haruto's eyes blazed with an unwavering determination that seemed capable of conquering any obstacle, instilling a sense of security in those who beheld him.

"While the public sees me as a kind and diplomatic figure, we're aware that morality itself is questionable in the world of politics," he said. Takaya sensed the underlying fervor beneath Haruto's composed exterior, and the words that followed carried a deep sense of purpose. "But that's precisely why I wanted to become a politician. I have my selfish motives, like any other politician, and one of them is to protect what I hold most dear. If I had to choose between one person I trust and a million strangers, I'd choose that one person."

Haruto paused briefly before continuing, "I may not care about strangers, but we know that war is looming. If Neo-Japan were to lose that war, the consequences would be catastrophic. We can't protect anyone without power, and that's the harsh reality." His words stirred memories of a life-altering incident that had set him and Takaya on their current path.

"Neo-Japan needs an honest, transparent, and ruthless politician, and we know that the previous prime minister is anything but that." Haruto said, his tone monotonous but his eyes ice-cold, a bottomless rage simmering beneath the surface. Takaya couldn't help but shiver slightly.

"That's putting it mildly for that bastard," Takaya chimed in, his words laced with sarcasm as he tried to alleviate some of his fear. Haruto let out a small chuckle before continuing his speech.

"Due to this situation, assassination, corruption, nepotism, money laundering, and all sorts of methods have been used against me by my enemies, all vying for the position of prime minister. And well, look at where we are now," Haruto concluded, his words carrying an air of triumph mixed with condescension.

"Takaya," he addressed his best friend, "are you scared of the future? If so, grit your teeth and move forward. You know, when we were newcomers in the political world, we were completely clueless, making countless mistakes that I can't even remember. But we persevered, breaking through all obstacles. So remember, Takaya, we've survived in this world for about 12 years. Take pride in that and smile." Haruto's eyes shone with an irresistible fire, exuding determination, kindness, and confidence.

Takaya took in his friend's words and thought, [You said you would sacrifice one person for a million, but the reason you were chosen as prime minister in the first place reflects what you've done in the past 12 years.] He closed his eyes briefly, pondering before reopening them with a smile and a mischievous remark.

"You know, if you showed your real personality, maybe all the women would flock to you," Takaya teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

Haruto couldn't help but curse, "Damn it, Takaya. I'm giving you serious advice and showing sympathy, and you ruin it."

"Hey, I mean, you are identified as a wizard." ¹ There is a joke in Japan where if a man is still a virgin at 30 years old, they will become a wizard (sage in another world) Said Takaya in a smug tone, and his smirk is wider.

Haruto felt an urge to punch Takaya for his teasing but thought better of it, given the imminent speech and the desire to keep their suits clean. He settled back into his usual scowling expression and retorted, "Just mind your own business, Takaya. I don't want to hear it from a boy toy like you."

Takaya heard this and felt his eyes widen. [This is the first time in a while he shared his feelings.]

Takaya knows when his friends are just being sarcastic or joking, and Haruto's usual expression, even with him, is scowling, neutral, calm, a creepy smile, and maybe a smirk. But a genuine smile from Haruto is really rare, so rare that even Takaya can count it on his two hands. So it's a real surprise when Haruto says this.

"So why do you say 'finish line'? Think about it, like 12 years ago, we were just newbies, just part of the crowd. It's just a different situation but with the same feeling. We were clueless but not aimless like back then, and if you still feel like that," Haruto stops his words and intently gazes into Takaya's black eyes, "Follow me. I assure you I'll not leave or abandon you; we're in this together, just like back then." Haruto then smiles, extending his right hand in front of Takaya in a fist bump pose.

Takaya can't help but feel touched, and even tears well up in his eyes. Takaya takes a deep breath and finally responds with a fist bump.

Haruto continues to smile, but after a while, his expression changes to a sarcastic one. "Hoh... what's this? It seems the great Takaya-sama is crying. Are you that anxious and scared that you need me to pamper you like a child?"

Takaya responds by showing his middle finger and saying, 'Fu*k you.' But Haruto's grin widens by a centimeter, and he continues to tease him. They carry on with their conversation for a little while, discussing visual novels, anime, and their future after this speech.

While sitting on the sofa, Takaya asks, "What are you planning to do after this? I mean, not just your plan to play VN, but more in general, or at least in the far future."

Haruto answers this with ease, as if he had planned it all along. "Huh... Maybe I'll just let destiny guide me, or in other words, live in the present."

Takaya can't believe it when he hears this and, with a tired expression, says, "You, who always thinks realistically and plans ahead in every scenario, I didn't expect you to answer this question with a generic response from the internet."

Haruto responds with a hurt expression, "Hey, it's really from my heart."

Takaya puts on a sarcastic expression and rolls his eyes. "Yeah right, if you're like this, maybe you'll die before graduating from your wizard status."

Haruto heard this and automatically put on his scowling expression, but a second later, he softened his expression. Takaya was quite surprised and couldn't help but want to ask. Before he could, Haruto spoke, "You know why I'm quite naive in this department? Well, it's for a simple and childish reason." Haruto paused and took a sip of the cold tea he and Takaya had prepared before taking a seat.

Haruto then continued, "It's because of my principle, or more specifically, the principle I established when that accident happened."

Takaya couldn't help but feel surprised and jumped from his chair. "Y-you mean Aunt Mi—" Haruto cut him off with the sound of a cup breaking. Takaya turned to face Haruto's expression and could see it in his eyes—full of guilt, hopelessness, and longing that hurt even Takaya.

Takaya felt that the situation was a bit awkward but decided to change the subject, saying, "You know, I never told you what I plan to do after this or in the distant future."

Haruto, upon hearing this, felt relief and gratitude. Takaya noticed this but chose to ignore it and continued, "It should be a surprise, but well, I have a fiancée."

Haruto heard this and was stunned. For a moment, the environment felt silent and the atmosphere became stifled, but in reality, only a few seconds had passed. Haruto, still feeling surprised, said, "Congratulations." Then, his expression changed to genuine astonishment, joy, and happiness.

Takaya didn't expect this response and bluntly said, "Wait, you trust me? I mean, just a while ago, you literally called me a boy toy."

Haruto, hearing this, wanted to laugh but held it back and said, "Why the heck are you thinking like that? Your eyes and expression say it all when you announced your engagement. Don't forget that I know you like the back of my hand. So even if you put on a poker face, I can still read you. Or has your intelligence become dulled by those lovesick eyes?" Haruto said this with his usual sarcastic expression.

Takaya heard this and became angry, saying, "Fu*k you, Haruto. Is this your revenge for earlier? Damn it..." Haruto heard all the cussing Takaya directed his way, and he couldn't help but wear a smug expression, like a mischievous cat. However, after a while, Haruto walked up to Takaya and placed both hands on his shoulders. Takaya was still quite agitated and was startled by Haruto's sudden approach.

Capturing Takaya's attention, Haruto then said with a heartfelt expression, "Congratulations, Takaya. I hope you and your fiancée will be happy and blessed with many children and good health, because that's what truly matters. Oh, and just so you know, I'll release you from intelligence gathering on women because I don't want to be labeled as a homewrecker."

Takaya, who heard this, responded, "Yeah, thanks, bro." Shortly after that, they embraced each other for a moment.

As their embrace ended, a repetitive and urgent buzzing noise filled the room.

"Huh, it seems your speech is about to begin, and well, this one hour has passed by quickly. Especially you, Haruto, you're quite active, unlike the past 12 years when it felt like talking to a thick wall." Takaya said with his usual carefree and lopsided grin.

"Heh... maybe I'm just feeling sentimental, that's why I wanted to talk." Haruto said this with his usual expression, well, normal for him to maintain his emotionless and calm demeanor. He glanced at his watch and saw that it was 10:56 a.m.

"Well, are you ready to go?" Takaya asked, but there was a different expression on his face compared to when he first entered the office. Now he asked with a positive attitude, genuine happiness, and excitement shining through.

Seeing this change in Takaya, Haruto couldn't help but smile and replied, "Let's go to our new chapters."

After their conversation, they walked toward the office door. However, just before Haruto could reach the door, he suddenly felt numb sensation to his whole body.

[wh-what...]

[Haruto POV]

Haruto's world was spinning out of control, his senses dulled by an overwhelming numbness. The room seemed to sway, and he struggled to understand what was happening to him.

[I feel numb, Am I falling, why I can't feel anything, my vision is blurry......]

Before long, Haruto found himself collapsing onto the carpet, his body giving way beneath him. Panic surged within him as he felt someone lift him off the ground. His head throbbed with a searing heat, dizziness clouding his thoughts, and his heart raced erratically. The possibility he dared not entertain now loomed before him.

[No, no nonono. Please no, Takaya, please this is not what I think] Haruto's thoughts swirled with a mix of sorrow and a faint glimmer of hope. But as he settled back into his chair, he noticed the unsettling presence of a crimson stain on his abdomen.

[what......] The smell of iron and the sight of red confirmed the dreaded truth. He couldn't feel a thing, his nerves were numb, yet his mind remained disturbingly clear.

[no....Takaya why....] A turbulent sea of emotions churned within Haruto's heart—hurt, misery, and confusion. These feelings melded into a chaotic whirlwind of despair. But somewhere in the midst of this emotional maelstrom, Haruto clung to a sliver of doubt. Could it be possible that Takaya had a different motive? The betrayal was too surreal to accept.

"Sorry, but this is the only way, a way that all of us can survive," Takaya uttered in a cold, detached tone. But beneath the surface, Haruto could sense the tempest of emotions raging within his once-trusted friend. It was ironic that even in this dire situation, they still understood each other.

"ha... haha cough cough ha....... ha...… Takaya, let me guess foreign offers, right?" Haruto's voice quivered, yet there was an odd calmness in his demeanor. Despite his weakening body, shallower breaths, and the unbearable pain in his heart, he didn't feel fear. Acceptance had taken hold of him, perhaps because, deep down, he longed for an escape from this world.

[Maybe because I'm accepting death, no.... Maybe I know that all along maybe even from 10 years ago that I just want a release from this world.] Haruto acknowledged his broken and pitiful state. Behind the façade of neutrality and stoicism, he was just a man shattered by reality and longing for the release of the world.

Takaya ignored the question, his focus laser-sharp on his grim task – saving the nation from plunging into the chaos of war. But Haruto yearned for answers, his cloudy consciousness desperate to uncover the motives behind Takaya's actions.

"Let me guess your motives," Haruto spoke, his voice quivering as he continued. "While you seem to be preparing my execution, *cough* *cough*. First, you doubted our ability to defend our nation in the impending world war. You, or perhaps the alliance that sees me as a threat to their power domination, initiated this."

Even in his blurry state, Haruto could discern a subtle quiver and a slight flinch from Takaya. It seemed his conjecture was striking close to the truth.

"Second, you perceived me as a threat to your own power, or maybe even your fiancée," Haruto's words carried a weight that seemed to hang heavily in the cold air. With every passing moment, the room grew colder, the shadows deeper, mirroring the chill in their once unbreakable friendship.

"Third and lastly, well ha.... ha....... ha..............." Haruto's breath grew shallower, his vision blurrier and heavier, but his determination remained resolute. He forced the words out, even as his body betrayed him. "*cough* *cough* I don't know how to say this, but it's perhaps as cliché as a plot from a trashy drama novel – your primary motive is rooted in jealousy."

Haruto witnessed the most profound flinch from Takaya, a reaction that cut through the tension like a blade. Seeing this, Haruto couldn't contain his bitter laughter.

"ha... Ha.. HAHAHAHA, *COUGH* *COUGH*" Blood trickled from the corner of Haruto's mouth as he laughed, the irony of it all driving him to the brink of madness. [12 years of bonds shattered, and the deepest motive is nothing but jealousy] Haruto's thoughts echoed with a painful realization. The hurt ran deep, a wound that couldn't be bandaged or healed easily. He had believed he could trust one person in the treacherous world of politics, and that trust had been shattered by something as base as jealousy and insecurity.

"Ha....... Ha.......ha........." Haruto's breath grew fainter with each passing moment. His once-healthy, slightly tanned white skin had turned pallid as seconds ticked away. The pungent scent of iron hung heavily in the air, a testament to the copious amount of blood he had lost. Haruto felt himself drawing nearer to the welcoming embrace of death. But before that final release, he had words to share.

"Takaya, I want to ask you, are you genuinely happy now? Because when I see your expression right now, even in my miserable state, you won't meet my eyes, not even my face. Is it truly worth shattering our friendship for the sake of political gain, or perhaps for the simple satisfaction of your own desires?" Haruto's voice was weak, but the weight of his words bore down on the room.

In his fragile state, Haruto's thoughts flitted back to a promise he had made to change the nation, a promise he had kept even when his personal attachment to the country was not profound. Memories surfaced—trials and tribulations, the demands of military service, and the days of their youth when they were naïve and full of dreams. Yet, the most profound memories were of his mother and sister, two people he cared about more than anyone else in the world. Now, he felt adrift, with no anchor in this world.

[Is this what people talk about when they say your life flashes before your eyes at the brink of death?] Haruto wondered, his words coming in fragments, each syllable more labored than the last. "Y-you know...... ha....... Well, you got it, you beat me. Even I can't..... ha........ Read you when you came....... *cough* ha....... in this room to ask for my advice. You seemed genuinely concerned when you asked me....... But now, I understand why I thought you were genuine...."

Takaya's expression remained inscrutable, a mask that betrayed no emotion. The room felt colder with each passing moment, the weight of their shared history pressing down on them. As Haruto struggled to hold onto consciousness, he continued, his voice fading like a distant echo.

"Your genuine concern... it wasn't for our friendship or the nation, was it?" Haruto's words were a fragile thread connecting their shared past to this somber present. "It was for your own conscience, the weight of the choices you had to make..."

Takaya finally met Haruto's gaze, his eyes filled with a complex mix of regret, guilt, and something deeper, something he had buried beneath layers of political ambition. But before he could respond, Haruto's voice faltered, and his consciousness slipped further into the abyss.

[Ah... I feel regret, regret for so many things, but the most profound of all was this. Could I have prevented it?] His thoughts swirled in the abyss, a torrent of remorse and longing for a chance to change the past.

His mind grew increasingly muddled, his vision fading into an inky darkness that seemed poised to envelop him in its eternal embrace.

[Mother, Kaya, I'm coming.] Haruto's final thought carried with it a heavy burden of sorrow and the desperate wish for a reunion beyond the veil of life.

And then, Haruto's consciousness faded into emptiness, the darkness closing in until it was all he could see.

[??? POV]

In the ethereal realm that bridged worlds, the regretful deity watched as Haruto's spirit prepared for its transition to a new, uncertain world. The deity had presided over countless souls, each one a story of choices, regrets, and destiny. But Haruto's tale was particularly heavy on its celestial conscience.

"This soul, Haruto," the deity pondered, "your existence was a symphony of noble intentions and tragic consequences. The path you walked bore the weight of decisions made for the sake of a fragile balance, decisions that ultimately led to your tragic end."

As Haruto's essence approached, the deity couldn't escape the burden of remorse for the role it had played in shaping his fate. It knew, deep down, that the choices Haruto had been forced to make were essential for the greater good, yet it wished it could have intervened more, guiding him away from the calamitous path.

"I bear the weight of your destiny, Haruto," the deity whispered, knowing its words would vanish into the void between realms. "You will carry a burden into the new world, one that serves as a reminder of your past choices and sacrifices."

With a tender touch of divine power, the deity bestowed upon Haruto a fragment of resilience and an ember of determination. It was a meager gift, but it would be the flame of hope that could guide him through the tumultuous trials of the unfamiliar world.

As Haruto's spirit embarked on its journey into the unknown, the deity watched with a profound mixture of sorrow and hope. It understood that Haruto's path would not be without trials and tribulations, and that the ending he sought would require even greater sacrifices and burdens than before. Yet, in the tapestry of fate, there was a promise—a guarantee of a happier ending, albeit one that demanded the utmost resilience and fortitude from Haruto.

The deity hoped, beyond the confines of its celestial realm, that Haruto would find the strength to bear his past, navigate his present, and carry his burdens into a brighter future, even in the face of impending catastrophe.

Shuukiko

Hello, Shuukiko here. This is my first time writing the story, so if there is bad grammar, cringe conversation, a bad flow of conversation, or the plot is quite bad. I'm really sorry, and on top of that, English is not my primary language. I hope in this prologue, you can see Haruto's personality and how he perceives the world. So, I need to clarify three things for my story.

First, this story will be dark; of course, it will not be like berserk where there is a constant struggle, but there will be a moment when you feel you want to drop this story, and it's okay.

Second, this is NOT HAREM fic, so if you want a story where MC casually has s*x with all women or multiple partners, this is not the place. I want to make my first story meaningful and remembered by the reader. Romance is not the focus, but it will be there. I assure you because it's pretty tied to the main story.

Third, maybe this is just a question, so yeah. Do you want smut writing in this story? Well, it's because there is an Eroge title, so maybe I'll add fanservice on Hero POV (Original game MC). Maybe far in the future, there will be 3 or just 4 chapters dedicated to explicit sexual content between our MC and heroine. I hope you comment and for the scheduled upload, it will be random, but at least there will 1 chapter every 2 weeks, and the fastest is 1 chapter every week.

And lastly, thank you for reading my first time ever work.